Affinity Interactive Announces Sale Of DRF Bets To 1/ST Technology

Affinity Interactive has officially announced the strategic sale of its advance-deposit wagering (ADW) platform, DRF Bets, to 1/ST Technology, the parent company of Xpressbet and 1/ST Bet. This acquisition marks a significant shift in the landscape of online horse racing betting.

### Transition to 1/ST BET PRO Platform

Following this acquisition, the platform will be rebranded as 1/ST BET PRO and will operate under the management of Xpressbet. Affinity Interactive and 1/ST Technology have maintained a collaborative relationship since 2011, during which Xpressbet has provided backend technology, wagering pathways, customer service, and robust data security for the DRF Bets platform.

Starting June 10, former DRF Bets users can seamlessly log in to 1/ST BET PRO using their existing account credentials. This revamped horse racing betting platform offers parimutuel wagering across more than 300 racetracks nationwide, solidifying its position in the highly competitive market of online wagering.

### Expansion into Sports Betting

1/ST Technology is also escalating its involvement in the sports betting arena. Notably, in March 2024, bet365 selected 1/ST Technology to power its United States horse racing offerings through the 1/ST BET platform. This strategic partnership aligns with 1/ST’s vision of extending its influence in the sports wagering sector. Furthermore, in February, the company announced an alliance with NASCAR, enabling pari-mutuel betting on exhilarating stock-car events.

### Refocusing on Core Competencies

“This represents a defining moment for both Affinity Interactive and DRF,” stated Scott Butera, CEO of Affinity Interactive, the publisher of Daily Racing Form (DRF). He emphasized that this strategic transaction allows DRF to sharpen its focus on its core competencies: delivering premium racing data, expert handicapping tools, and engaging content. As an independent media and data company, DRF is positioned to foster collaborations with a wider array of racetracks, wagering platforms, and sportsbook operators.

Shifting away from direct account wagering operations, DRF will leverage its strengths to provide horse racing bettors with indispensable data, enabling informed wagering decisions. DRF Bets was responsible for processing over $5 billion in horse racing wagers annually, underlining the significant scale and impact of this platform.

Butera remarked, “This strategic move enhances our capacity to serve a broader spectrum of the horse racing and gaming ecosystems, fostering innovation, maintaining integrity, and enhancing fan engagement. We take immense pride in what we’ve built with DRF Bets and are enthusiastic about embarking on this new chapter.”

### 1/ST Technology’s Commitment to Excellence

“1/ST TECHNOLOGY is dedicated to maintaining the consistent, superior service and user experience that DRF Bets customers have come to expect, now offered under the 1/ST BET PRO brand,” stated Keith Johnson, President of 1/ST Technology. He expressed eagerness to welcome former DRF Bets customers and to broaden product offerings for horseplayers both nationally and globally.

In addition to its expanding U.S. operations, 1/ST Technology is involved in international sports betting, notably through a partnership with PointsBet in Australia. Recent collaboration efforts also include agreements with Goodwood Racecourse in the UK and New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing. The company’s services are available across various regions, including Europe, South Africa, parts of the Middle East, and both Canada and the U.S.

By adopting a multisector approach, 1/ST Technology is not only enhancing its product differentiation but also ensuring a holistic customer experience that paves the way for innovative betting solutions in the ever-evolving gambling landscape.

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